Dunkirk

During World War II, Endeavour, along with five other craft that operated from Leigh, was commandeered by the Royal Navy to go to Dunkirk. Because of their shallow draught, the boats could rescue British and French soldiers from the beach and ferry them to larger boats offshore. They went from Southend at 11.00 hrs on the 31st May 1940 under the control of Sub Lieutenant M H B Soloman RN.

They worked the Dunkirk beaches for some time and were returning when one of the other Leigh boats, 'The Renown', struck a mine. The crew of four perished in the explosion.

Endeavour is the only surviving Leigh-built fishing boat that went to Dunkirk and is registered with the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. (Click here to visit their website.)

Endeavour forms a historic link with these difficult years and when restored will be a fitting tribute to the men who died rescuing soldiers at a critical time in the war.